Korg Kronos, Motif XF or M3

[Venatt2]

I just sold my Motif XS7 and plan to buy a new workstation 61 key workstation, but I don't know if to buy the White Motif XF6, the Kronos or the M3. Which one do you recommend ?

[H.S.Lee]

I just sold my Motif XS7 and plan to buy a new workstation 61 key workstation, but I don't know if to buy the White Motif XF6, the Kronos or the M3. Which one do you recommend ?

Depends on your main purpose.
I used to use all yout candidates but now Kronos is mine.
Motif and M3 are also quite good workstations, but as you know Human's desire never ends.
So I recommend Kronos. No doubt.

[SanderXpander]

If you enjoy programming your own sounds, and using dedicated engines for different sounds (organ, synth, sample based) it's hard to beat the Kronos. I don't think there is any workstation out there right now that hits all these areas as well as the Kronos. I use mine only live, and it means I have a CX3 organ clone with me, a PolySix, an MS20, a DX7 on steroids, VST-quality sampled pianos, an almost Kontakt-like sampler, a modern sounding VA synth, and a bunch more besides. Yet it all comes in one box with one interface and it's easy to mix and match sounds and build a setlist.

Then again the HD1 engine has some limits compared to the Motif sample based engine, e.g. you can only use two stereo oscillators (with velocity switches obviously) at the same time, whereas on the Motif you have eight (I think) and more options for activating them. I think the Motif lets you layer only four parts in a combination on the other hand, where you get sixteen in the Kronos. Polyphony admitting, of course. The Motif also has a nice pattern based sequencer for songwriting, as well as extensive arpeggiators. The Kronos has Karma which is incredibly powerful and does a host of other duties in addition to arpeggiating, but it is hard to master and you need to buy extra software to add your own patterns (although the on-board ones are numerous and are very adaptable).

The Kronos touch screen, even though the resolution is a little too high for its size, is a huge help for navigation compared to the Motif. I always find myself poking at the screen when I use other synths.

Overall, I would always try a synth in this price category before buying it.

[genehart]

you can only use two stereo oscillators (with velocity switches obviously) at the same time

but you can "combine" them in a combi mode , also this combining allows you to use more velocity layers, for example if you want to import "very layered" instrument such as piano .

[danmusician]

I haven't used the Yamaha, but I've owned the M3 and have the Kronos. As a workstation, the Kronos is much more powerful than the M3. The pianos are infinitely better. There is a thread here by users who dumped their Kronos in favor of the M3. Personally, I don't get it.

[jmchiro]

I've owned all three of these boards.

While I agree that the XF has an interesting feature in the pattern based sequencer, if you are playing live, nothing beats the Set List feature of the Kronos.

[GregC]

I haven't used the Yamaha, but I've owned the M3 and have the Kronos. As a workstation, the Kronos is much more powerful than the M3. The pianos are infinitely better. There is a thread here by users who dumped their Kronos in favor of the M3. Personally, I don't get it.

Owned the M3M and there are a few nice features. The X/y screen and piano roll visual and add on Radias were a plus. Fairly easy to use.

But the Kronos simply is more powerful as you state. Being objective about it, it was fairly easy to sell my M3M/radias. It would have mostly sat around with the Kronos on my stand.

[SanderXpander]

you can only use two stereo oscillators (with velocity switches obviously) at the same time

but you can "combine" them in a combi mode , also this combining allows you to use more velocity layers, for example if you want to import "very layered" instrument such as piano .

Not the same thing. I'm just highlighting differences, not saying one is better. I made my own choice, obviously.

[GregC]

you can only use two stereo oscillators (with velocity switches obviously) at the same time

but you can "combine" them in a combi mode , also this combining allows you to use more velocity layers, for example if you want to import "very layered" instrument such as piano .

I had the XS7 and other boards/modules and use to have chunky layered pianos. After a while, I got tired of that and reverted to a more authentic/natural acoustic piano sound. I know this is objective/preference, everyone likes their own flavor.

[phil55]

In my books, the KRONOS is a better sounding instrument with more options and control, however, I would choose the M3 w/ Radias expansion for it's reliability over the KRONOS as there are too many quirks in the KRONOS. for me to endorse it. BTW, you can buy mine if you're in CANADA.

I kept my M3 and was happy I did.

[GregC]

In my books, the KRONOS is a better sounding instrument with more options and control, however, I would choose the M3 w/ Radias expansion for it's reliability over the KRONOS as there are too many quirks in the KRONOS. for me to endorse it. BTW, you can buy mine if you're in CANADA.

I kept my M3 and was happy I did.

you should be able to sell your Kronos quickly as others have posted a shortage. Esp in canada, as I recall

[phil55]

In my books, the KRONOS is a better sounding instrument with more options and control, however, I would choose the M3 w/ Radias expansion for it's reliability over the KRONOS as there are too many quirks in the KRONOS. for me to endorse it. BTW, you can buy mine if you're in CANADA.

I kept my M3 and was happy I did.

you should be able to sell your Kronos quickly as others have posted a shortage. Esp in canada, as I recall

I did have on Kijiji for a month and a half and only one bite. I was asking $1650 including a cover, a case and all the manuals printed out and USB OS updates and voices. I would've taken $1400.

It was difficult as i think many people have started researching the KRONOS and as you know, knowledge is power.

Since then, I have just used it lightly for certain real instruments like vibes, piano and use analogues for everything else. I've put my other keyboards away too.

[GregC]

In my books, the KRONOS is a better sounding instrument with more options and control, however, I would choose the M3 w/ Radias expansion for it's reliability over the KRONOS as there are too many quirks in the KRONOS. for me to endorse it. BTW, you can buy mine if you're in CANADA.

I kept my M3 and was happy I did.

you should be able to sell your Kronos quickly as others have posted a shortage. Esp in canada, as I recall

I did have on Kijiji for a month and a half and only one bite. I was asking $1650 including a cover, a case and all the manuals printed out and USB OS updates and voices. I would've taken $1400.

It was difficult as i think many people have started researching the KRONOS and as you know, knowledge is power.

Since then, I have just used it lightly for certain real instruments like vibes, piano and use analogues for everything else. I've put my other keyboards away too.

In the US, we use eBay and craigslist for used stuff. Yeah, 1 bite is disappointing. sorry you are going thru that.

There are a few 61's going for $1800 in california. there are 38 million people in the state so its a certainty to find a used Kronos for sale.

I will possibly sell my 88 with maybe maybe a new Kronos around the corner next year ( strictly guesswork). So I hope I don't run into selling problems.

In the past, I have found that most buyers are aware that remarks on the Internet forums surface quickly on keyboards and can be overstated.

I think serious buyers know whats going on and make some effort to make sure a keyboard is a good fit for them. Thats what it is all about,IMO. If I was dropping over $2000 on a keyboard I would research it carefully.

[phil55]

In the US, we use eBay and craigslist for used stuff. Yeah, 1 bite is disappointing. sorry you are going thru that.

i didn't want to hassle of shipping it and wanted someone to pick it up. I was nervous if something happened to it in transit and I would get it back worse for wear. It's no biggie as long as the sustain issue doesn't crop up again, and I have no idea why it did after working well for so long. I literally don't move it much and it's always on a stand and level.

I mentioned this before, but it only cost me $1000 before I bought the case, cover, printed manuals and replaced the fan. it's not like I'm out $4K plus like some.

[jeremykeys]

Hi Phil. Where in Canada do you live? I'm in Toronto. I might know someone who could be interested in your Kronos. I presume it's a 61 key?